Mike Dietz is a multi-disciplinary animator, art director, educator, and creative strategist whose versatile talents have left a mark across video games, television, film, theme parks, and education. With a career spanning nearly three decades, he’s become a respected force in animation, known for his fluid style, inventive approach, and ability to adapt to anything from hand-drawn and stop-motion to CG and mixed media.

A graduate of Syracuse University with a BFA in Advertising Design/Illustration, Mike bolstered his education through master classes in animation, anatomy, composition, and life drawing at institutions like the School of Visual Arts, Art Institute workshops, and specialized studios across Los Angeles and New York.

Since 1995, he’s operated as an independent animator and visual development artist through Slappy Pictures LLC, collaborating with clients like Disney/Pixar, Nickelodeon, Netflix, Cartoon Network, DreamWorks, The Jim Henson Company, Vinton Studios/Laika, Microsoft, WD Imagineering, and Dlala Studios. His contributions span character and prop design, storyboards, animatics, full animation, cleanup, compositing, and postproduction.

Mike’s animation credits include leading work on beloved titles such as Disney’s Aladdin, Earthworm Jim, The Neverhood, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (video game), The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer, Toy Story Mania!, Wall‑E, Up, and Battletoads, among others across multiple platforms.

In addition to his freelance work, Mike has held key roles in the industry as Art Director at Intellivision Entertainment, Senior Animator at Dlala Studios, Principal Artist/Animator at PeopleFun, and as a CG Animator on Netflix’s Wendell & Wild. He also co-founded Pencil Test Studios and served as Assistant Professor of Art at Cal State Fullerton, sharing his craft and passion with aspiring animators—and even earning an Annie Award nomination for his stop-motion game Armikrog.

Now on Bookvid, Mike Dietz offers a rare opportunity to connect directly with fans, artists, and aspiring creators through personalized video messages and 1-on-1 live chats. Whether you're seeking creative mentorship, animation advice, a friendly critique, or a heartfelt shout-out from someone who knows how to bring characters to life, Mike brings warmth, skill, and boundless curiosity to every interaction.